School catchment changes approved for Bathgate and north of West Lothian

Following a consultation process, Education Executive have approved a number of changes to school catchments to make sure they fit better with local community ties, and align better with community council and natural geographic boundaries.  

In particular, the changes aim to address longstanding community wishes by making sure the whole of the Wester Inch area in Bathgate is part of the catchments for Simpson Primary and Bathgate Academy. 

Currently the western part of the development is within the catchment for Windyknowe Primary and Armadale Academy, but predictions show Simpson Primary rolls falling below capacity in the future. 

Executive councillor for education Andrew McGuire said: "I'm pleased that we have been able to change catchments to ensure all pupils in Wester Inch are able to attend Simpson Primary and Bathgate Academy.

"We know that the community have wished this for some time, and the predicted fall in rolls for Simpson Primary means this is now possible.

"Responses from children, staff, parents and the community were all positive, and we believe this change will deliver benefits for local children and young people." 

Other changes in Bathgate will see the Standhill and Inchcross areas moved from the Windyknowe Primary and Armadale Academy catchments to Simpson Primary and Bathgate Academy, while Bathgate town Centre and Balmuir Road areas will be moved from Windyknowe Primary to Balbardie Primary catchment. 

This would ensure capacity is available at Windyknowe to accommodate children from developments taking place within their catchment area.  

There are also a range of minor changes proposed involving areas with few or no houses that do not have any children at West Lothian schools.

The new catchments would come into effect from August 2026, and the changes will not impact on any pupils currently attending West Lothian schools, with no pupils asked to move from a school they currently attend.